Gauging machine and process for gauging packing rings



March 13, 1928.

R. B. WASSON GAUGING MACHINE AND PROCESS FOR GAUGING magma muss 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 13 1921 March 13, 1928. 1,662,648

R. B. WASSON eweme momma AND PROCESS FOR swam meme runes Filed Aug. 1a. 1921 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 R w. I

M d mmvro/r BY 21 ATTORNEY March 13, 1928.

R. B. WASS ON GAUGING MACHINE AND PROCESS FOR GAIIGING PACKING RINGS.

AN %N 4 Sheets-Sh6et 4 March 13, 1928.

R. B. WASSON GAUGING MACHINE AND PROCESS FOR GAUGING PACKING RINGS Filed Aug. 16. 1921 25% W =5 NN Iv mm M lll||i N N v R u 6 m ATTORNEY Patented Mar. 13, 1928. v

UNITED STATES 1 easier.

ROBERT s. WASSON, or ouanronn} new JERSEY.

GAUGINGMAQH'INE AND .raoenss ron GAU'GING PACKING nines.

Application filed August 13, 1921 Serial'dNo. 492,018.

uniform radial outward pressure when in' position in the working cylinder, will in tact exert substantially uniform radial pressure at all points. One of the objects of my invention is to provide a flexible strip of metal which has been so treated that it will of itself coil into a loop and preserve the loop when in use.

Another object of the invention is to overcome the twisting tendency of the loop and to permit the ring to be roiled back and forth inthe loop without the loop'slipping off.

Another object of my invention is to prevent the ring and metal band from moving transversely to the path-of travel of the ring, in the machine.

A further object of the invention is to provide a means for securing a quick and delinite contraction of the loop containing the contracted position, under a predetermined load.

In accordance with my invention I provide and sort the rings according to their size and tension, permitting rings to pass inspection which are within a certain degree of tolerance from standard diameter and rc-treating ringswhich are outside oi pre determined limits.

I also provide means for measuring the circularity or departure from circularity of the rin when compressed to its working diameter, under a unii'ormiy distributed load,

this enabling one to determine whether or around the ring with a movable member arranged parallel with the path of travel.

of the ring in the machine and to move so that it remains parallel therewith, thus varying the distance between the path and the bar at the same time preserving a parallel relation between the bar and the path of ring,at the same time locking'the ring in its travel, and adapted to contact with the-ring,

the said member being provided with means for indicating the motion of the bar when the ring travels.

lVith the above and other objects in view myinvention consists in the parts, improvements and combinations more fully pointed out hereinafter.

Turning now to the drawings illustrating one embodiment of the invention:

Fig. 1 illustrates a top plan view 'ofmy 1 gauging machine with the ring in place ready to be contracted.

Fig. 2 shows the bar and ring in section in the position shown in Fig. 1.

Fig 3 is a. plan view of the machine shown in Fig. l, the ring being shown as contracted- I Fig. 4 is a front elevation ofthe machine shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a topplan view ot the machine shown in Fig. 1 with the parts in the position for gauging the circularity or" the ring.

Fig. 6 is a side elevation of the :machine.

Fig. '7 is a sectional detail of the adjusting means attachedto the flexible band.

Fig. 8 is a sectional detail on the line 55 of Fig. 7.

The machine is provided with a platform for supporting a ring, on which I mount a track 2 which may be. secured to the frame by screws 8 or made integral therewith. During the. testing operation the ring is adapted to travel on the platform along the track.

Means are provided for imparting a unitormly distributed load around? the ring, which means in the form of the invention illustrated, takethe form of a flexible strip or band at adapted to encircle the split ring 5.

i c I make use of a metal strip which may be oi circular cross section and which is first softened and then has alloop :formed in it, after which it is tempered, thus preserving the loop inthe band.

The split in the ring is conventionally illustrated by a line- One endof the band is attachedby means of a clamp l to a welghing scale 6 having a pointer 7-.' The efiective'length of the band can thus be varied by clamping its end. A loop is formedin the band into whichthe split ring may be inserted and the other end of the band is secured to a support 8. Means which may be varied, are" provided for adjusting the support. As illustrated a screw 9 which may be turned by finger wheel 10 is rotatably connected at 11 with the support 8 and passes thru a standard 13 carried by slide block 12. The support 8 is guided on the block 12 by ribs 1% which may form part of the supporting block 12. By means of this adjusting mechanism the contracted circumference of the loop of the band into which the ring has been placed, may be predetermined.

Means which may be varied are provided for bodily moving the adjusting means and thereby contracting the loop encircling the ring so as to quickly move the adjusting means a predetern'iined amount, into and out of testing position.

In the form of the invention illustrated the block 12 is mounted to slide between guides 15 which may be secured to the frame of the machine by screws 16. Means are provided for moving the block and as illustrated these means comprise a lever 17 shown in full lines in Fig. 1. The lever may be pivoted to the slide carrying the adjusting means by means of the pivot 18. To the lever there is connected a roller 19 carried by a screw stud :20 which enters the lever member. The roller 19 may move in the cross guide way 21 when the handle is operated. Its motion is stopped and the loop locked in closed position by means of a pin 21 against which the roller strikes after a slight overthrow of the lever, when it passes the center line. It will thus be observed that the lever when moved from the position in Fig. 1, to the position shown in Fig. 5, moves the attached end of the hand a definite distance and will contract the loop encircling the ring and bodily move the adjusting means for one end of the band into a predetermined testing position.

It will be observel that by means of the above described mechanism a split piston ring; which has been treated to exert uniform radial outward pressure may be enclosed in the loop of the band and the loop contracted. The ring is then rolled along: the track from the middle toward each end in order that the ring may be encircled by portions of the strap under uniform tension. doing away with the disturbing ell'ect of friction between the strap and the ring. Or the triction may be done away with by vibrating the ring when in the loop.

The scale (3 to which one end of the strip is attached indicates the load or tension which has been applied to the strip when the loop is contracted, with the ring inside of it.

In accordance with my invention I provide means for measuring one diameter of the ring to determine if it is of standard size and also for measuring the total pressure exerted by the ring.

I also provide means for indicating the departure from circularity of the ring. while the ring is encircled by the loop, thus determining whether it is exerting equal radial outward pressure at all points.

In the best embodiment oi? the invention I make use of a movable bar 22 in combination with the other elements of the machine. for these. purposes. The bar is arranged parallel with the path of travel of the ring and is adapted to make contact with the ring.

Means are provided for guiding the bar so that it will move so as to take up posi tions which are parallel to the true]; on which the ring travels. 'lhcsc means may be varied. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated I provide means for supporting the bar consisting of two parallel arms 22 Al: pivoted at. their outer ends to the bar at :25, 26, the arms beinp of equal length and each pivoted at one end to the :trame ol' the machine. the distance between the pivots on the track and bar being equal. As illustrated, the inner ends of the arms pass thru blocks :37. to which they may be secured in adjusted position by t s rews 28. The blocks 27 are mounted on pivots 29 carried by brackets 30 secured to the part carrying the tracl; which in turn is .*-.('(Hl'(al to the frame of the machine.

Movable weights 31 secured to the arms 2?, and 2-1 by set screws 32 tend to counterbalance the weight of the bar 2:! so that it may move freely, thus avoiding the deleterious cll'cets of friction. llall bin-nines may be used in addition.

Means are provided for indicating the distance between the bar and the tracl; at dilij'erent positions of the bar. These means may be varied. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated I make use of a mnltiplying dial gauge 323 provided with pointer JET and a projecting slall' 2353 which latter contacts with the bar. 'llu.* t':ill 1'c$3t3 may be clamped to a slide block ill; and the slide which mounted in a cut-out portion of the frame may be adjusted to an inward posilion with the projecting stall lii in onta t with the bar in the normal position of the instrument. The slide. may then be clamped in place by set screw 37. .1 alas-- plate Ila may be mounted over the gauge and secured to supports risingfrom the slid by means of screws I35). 7

Means are provided for guiding and we venting the metal loop from twisting about the straight portions oi' the band and riding up on the ring. As illustrated. I provide the movable bar with a bevel on the inner or ring contacting ednc o l the movable bar at -10 so as to hold down the loop. and may also bevel the track. In order that the straight portions of the hand may be licpl in place. I prefer to guide the band by means of pins 11 and lead the wire under a beveled edge 4-2 of the track :2. A depressiloo Iii

ble clamp 42 may be provided in case it is desired to measure the "rings of a. group which vary only slightly in their standard diameters when closed. 'The clamp is depressed, clamping one end of the wire and thus throwing the band scale out of action, it not being necessary to read the scale but merely the bar gauge.

Having thus described the invention, its operation is as follows:

I first place a gauge block 100 of predetermined size between the bar and track of the machine and adjust the bar, with its arms at right angles to the track, as shown in Fig. 1, so that it contacts with the gauge block. I then adjust the bar gauge so that its pointer 34, when the staff of the gauge is in contact with the bar, indicates the excess size determined by the gauge block. The pointer 34 of the gauge must be so set that when the ring is compressed to a standard diameter, the reading of the bar gauge will approach the zero position to within the permissible degree of tolerance. The gauge block is then removed. The gauge block is sufficiently longer than the diameter of the finished ring, when in its compressed state, to permit the open ring which is to be tested, and which is larger than the compressed ring, to drop between the track and the bar. The wire is adjusted in length at the adjusting block 4 so that the loop is of such a size as to permit an open ring, which is tobe tested, to drop therein.

An open,=split ring to be tested is then dropped in the loop as shown in Fig.1. The circumferential face of the ring will be at a slight distance from the contact edge of the bar and also not quite in contact with the'wire of the loop. "(See Fig. 2). The operator then throws the hand lever at the right, a. fixed amount into testing posit-ion, its end going against a stop, preventing further motion. This closes the ring and locks the loop into contracted condition. The operator then rolls the ring in the loop on the track back and forth to take. out the'friction between the ring and the loop and thus encircles the ring in aband under uniform tension. He then moves the measuring bar to the right until its edge contacts with the ring. He thus moves the bar into contact with the ring and reads the bar gauge.

If he finds ,duc to the react-ion or stiffness of the ring, that the bar gauge indicates an amount beyond the permissible limit, he readjusts the micrometer screw 9 (at the right); again takes out friction by rolling the ring, and takes another reading. He repositions the measuring bar, i. e. throws it-to the right into cont-act with the ring, and rereads the bar gauge. He repeats this. (a skilled workman does it in one trial) until the bar gauge reading is within the limits of the'standard dimension of the diameter for which the bar has been set, In this way one diameter of the ring is brought to the desired standard. He now reads the band scale. If t-heforce indicated by the scale is too great or too small, i. e. beyond the tolerancespermitted, the ring is put into a pile for reworking. If the ring has been found to be correct to its one diameter and total pressure, then its uniformity of pressure as determined by its circularity is measured.

In order to observe whether-the ring is giving a uniform pressure, we apply the circularity test, to measure its circularity. The parallel motion for the bar permits one to measure any number of diameters of the ring. lVe bring the movable bar into contact with the ring at different angular positions of the ring fronrthe split (see Fig. 5) thus measuring different diameters by means of the bar gauge; the ringremaining under tension in the loop and being rolled back and forth on the traclrto remove the friction, for testing.

My invention may be used to measure the circularity and total pressure of an untwisted ring or of a twisted ring.

From the above description of my invention, it willbe clear that it provides a ring gauging machine which will quickly and readily indicate the departure from circular ty orthe circularity of the ring, and

distributed load around the ring, a bar, means whereby saidbar is enabled to move into parallel positions and to contact with the ring, and means for indicating the position of the bar, thereby indicating the di ameter of the ring.

2. A machine for gauging packingrings,

comprising a platform on which the ring is supported, and travels between gauging operations, means forimparting a substantially uniformly distributed load around the ring, a ring contacting member, and means whereby said member is enabled to move into parallel positions and to contact with the ring.

3. A gauging machine for packingrings comprising means for impartinga uniformlydistributed load around thering, a track on which the ring is adapted to travel, a

movable bar, means'whereby said baris en-' abled to move into positions parallel to said track and means forindicating thedist'anoe IOU operations, means for imparting a uniformly 1 between the bar and the track for different positions of the rin A gauging machine for packing rings comprising means for imparting a uniformly distributed load around the ring, a track on which the ring is adapted to roll, a movable bar, arms for supporting said bar, whereby the bar is maintained parallel to said track, and means for indicating the distance between the bar and the track, for 'diilerent rolling positions of the ring, when the bar is moved into contact with the rinf.

A gauging machine for packing rings comprising means for imparting a uniformly distributed load around the ring, a track on which the ring is adapted to roll, a movable bar, parallel arms, one at each end of the bar for supporting said bar. whereby the bar is maintained pa allcl to said track. and means for indicating the position of the bar for different angular positions of the ring, when the bar moved into contact with the ring.

(3. A gauging machine for packing rings comprising means for im 'iartine a uniformly distributed load around the ring. a movable bar, parallel arms of equal length each pivoted, near one end to the frame of the machine and at; the other end to the bar, weights carried by the ends of the arms, said weights arranged on said ends so as to counterbalance the bar and means tor indicating the position of the bar.

'4'. A gauging machine for packing rings comprising means tor imparti11 a uniforml v distributed load around the ring. a track on which the ring is adapted to travel, a movable bar, arms for supporting said bar, whereby the. bar is n'iaintaincd parallel to said track. and a gauge having a part adapted to contact with said bar, for indicating the position of the bar.

in. A. machine for gauging 'iacking rings. comprising" strip adapted to encircle said ring. means for applying a load to tension said strip. a bar. means whereb; said bar is enabled to move into parallel positions and to contact with the ring, and means for indictating the position oi. the bar, thereby indicating the diameter of the ring.

9. A gauging machine for packing rings comprising a strip adapted to encircle said 'ing'. means for applying a load to tension said strip, a track on which the ring is adapted to travel, a mo *able bar. means whereby said bar is enabled to more into positions parallel to said track and means for indicating the distance between the bar and t 'ack.

10. A gauging machine for packing rings comprising a flexible band adapted to encircle said ring. a weighing scale to which one end of the band is attached, a support for the other end of said band, means for adjusting said support and means for bodily morin; said adjusting means into and out, of testing position.

11. A gauging machine for packing rings coinprisii'igr a flexible band adapted to encircle said ring, a weighing scale. to which one end of the band. is attached, a support for the other end of said band, means for adjusting. said support, and a lever connected with said adjusting means for bodily moving said adjusting n'ieaus into and out, of testing position.

12. A gauging machine for packing: rings comprising a flexible band adapted to encircle said, ring. a weighing sole to which one end of the hand is attached, a support for the other end of said hand. m ans or adjust in; said support, a lever pivoted to said adjusting means. a guide way and a roller carried by said lever and running on said guide wav. and a stop l'or said lever.

l3. A gauging machine for pat-kin; rings, comprisinga flexible band adapted to en circle said ring. a weighing scale to which one end of the band attached, a support for the other end of said band, means tor adjusting said support. means For bodily moving said adjusting means into and out ot testing p sition. a movable bar, n'ieans whereby said bar enabled to more into parallel positions and to contact with the ring and means 'l'or indicating the positions of the bar. thereby indi ating the diameter of the ring.

l-l. A gauging machine tor packing rings crnuprising a tlcxible band adapted to en circle said ring, a weighing scale to which one end of the hand is attached, a support tor the other end o'l said band. means for adjusting said support, means for bodil}, moving said adjustin; means into and out of testing position. a straight track on which the ring, is adapted to travel. a movable bar,

bar is maintained parallel to said track and a gaug having a part adapted to contact with Said bar. for indicating the position of the bar with relation to the. track.

15. A. gauging ma 'hine for packing rings. comprisim. a strip adapt d to encircle said ring, means for applying a load to tension said strip. a b r, means whereby said bar is enabled to more into parallel positions and to contact with the ring. said bar being provided with means for 'nidin; said strip.

16. A gauging" machine for packing rings. comprisins. a strip adapted to encircle said ring. means tor applying a load to tension said strip, a track on which the ring is adapted to travel. a movable bar. arms for supporting said bar. whereby the bar is nuiintained parallel to said t'ack. said bar l'ieing novidcd with means for guiding said strip.

ii. A gauging machine for packing rings comprising a strip adapted to encircle said arms for supporting said bar. whereby the ring, means for applying a load to tension said strip, a bar, means whereby said bar is enabled to move into parallel positions and to contact with the ring,'said bar being provided with a bevel edge for guiding said strip.

18. A gauging machine for packing rings comprising a strip adapted to encircle said ring, means for applying a load tension to said strip, a track on which the ring is adapted to travel. a movable bar, arms for supporting said bar, whereby the bar is maintained parallel to said track, said bar being provided with a bevel edge for guiding said strip.

19. A gauging machine for packing rings comprising a strip adapted to encircle said ring, means for applying a load to tension said strip, a track on which the ring is adapted to travel, a movable bar, means whereby said bar is enabled to move into positions parallel to said track, said track and bar being provided each with a bevel edge for guiding said strip.

20. A gauging machine for packing rings comprising a strip adapted to encircle said ring, means for applying a load to tension said strip, a track on which the ring is adapted to travel, a movable bar, arms for supporting said bar, whereby the bar is maintained parallel to said track, said track and bar being provided each with a bevel edge for guiding said strip.

21. The process of determining the stand ard diameter of and pressure exerted by a split piston ring which consists in placing the ring in a loop of a band adapted to exert substantially uniform pressure on the ring, subjecting one end of the loopto tension, adjusting the other end of the loop, moving said other end of the loop a predetermined amount,gauging the resulting diameter of the ring, readjusting the position of said other end of the loop and again moving the other end of the loop a prede termined amount, until the ring diameter reaches the desired size, and then gauging the resulting tension of the band.

22. The process of determining the diameter of a split piston ring which consists in placing the ringin a loop adapted to exert substantially uniform pressureon the ring,

tensioning one end of the band forming the loop, adjusting the other end of the band, gauging the tension of the band, moving the said other end a predetermined amount and gauging the resulting diameter of the ring.

23. A gauging machine for packing rings comprising a strip adapted to encircle said ring, means for applying a load to tension I the strip, a clamp for one end of the strip,

an adjusting mechanism forthe other end of the strip, a track on which the rmg is adapted to travel, a movable bar, means whereby said bar is enabled to move into positions parallel to said track and into con tact with the ring,and means for indicating the distance between the bar and track.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specificatio ROBERT B. WASSON. 

